As we mentioned, today's meeting was chaired by the Commander of Eastern
Division - Assistant Commissioner of Police Allan Whylie. Whylie says he believes
that the tension between the two rival groups has been defused. But he says
that doesn't mean the police will back down. This afternoon, he made it clear
that his officers will maintain their presence on the streets and in those neighborhoods.
He added that the law will be enforced, even if it takes force to do so.
Allan Whylie, Eastern Division's Commander
"We sat with them and we explained the police's point of view in terms
of our legal statutory obligations to make the streets safe and to prevent and
detect crime and we basically let them know that we will not be cutting any
deals with anybody. We will be out there in full force, enforcing the law and
that whoever is caught with any illegal items or illegal activities will be
dealt with to the full extent of the law.
We won't be intimidated. I made it quite clear to them that despite our
having this meeting today, and dialogue, and we remain open to dialogue with
anybody, any law abiding person. This meeting will not stop us from executing
our duties and from going in the areas as long as we have any information and
dealing with whatever situation may arise."
But how much force is too much? As we first told you last night, Gerald
"Shiny" Tillet's jaw was broken while in custody. There is also the
from allegation from multiple detainees that yesterday evening a police officer
released pepper spray in a holding cell. Whylie today confirmed that one of
his officers did pepper spray the inmates, as many as 80 of them. But Whylie
says he doesn't know who did it but they are investigating.
Allan Whylie,
"All incidents in terms of police alleged misconduct, as long as it
is brought to notice and reported, the relevant investigation will be done and
any person who is found responsible and liable they will be dealt with."
Keith Swift,
What about the pepper spray?
Allan Whylie,
"The pepper spray again was an unfortunate incident. We are investigating
that matter and we are trying to identify the officer or officers that may have
been involved. My understanding about it is that some officer went to the back
of the cellblock and they released the pepper spray within the cell. Of course
it spread throughout the cell and the prisoners had to be evacuated. We had
the support of Fire Department who washed out the place, we aired it out properly,
and we made contacts with some family members to bring clothing for those persons
who had been doused by the water.
We are not denying that pepper spray was released. We are denying that it
had to be released by an officer and we are interviewing the various officers
who we knew had access to pepper spray and we are following up that matter."
Police plan to have a follow-up meeting with the rival factions. One key
figure who wasn't at the meeting was Back-a-Town's Arthur Young. Police say
they couldn't find him.
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